The Writers Write Interview – Philippa Gregory

Read our Writers Write Interview with Philippa Gregory.

About Philippa Gregory

‘Philippa Gregory is one of the world’s foremost historical novelists. [The British novelist] wrote her first ever novel, Wideacre, when she was completing her PhD in eighteenth-century literature and it sold worldwide, heralding a new era for historical fiction. Her flair for blending history and imagination developed into a signature style and Philippa went on to write many bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen.’

Author: Philippa Gregory
Birthday: 9 January 1954
Date: 19 June 2006
Where: The Balalaika Hotel, Sandown
The Book: The Constant Princess (Harper Collins)

1. Who is your favourite hero of fiction?

The protagonist from Mine Own Executioner by Nigel Balchin.

2. What is your most treasured possession?

My Porsche Carrera – a blue convertible.

3. Which living person do you most dislike?

Tony Blair.

4. What is your greatest fear?

Afraid of being afraid.

5. Who or what has been the greatest love of your life?

My husband, Anthony Mason, and our six children.

6. What is your greatest regret?

I wish I’d been better educated – instead of being lazy and rebellious.

7. If you could choose to be a character in a book, who would it be?

Elizabeth Bennet.

8. Which book have you read the most in your lifetime?

Howard’s End by E M Forster.

9. What is your favourite journey?

The train ride between Devon and Cornwall.

10. What do you most value in a friend?

Loyalty and trustworthiness.

11. What quality do you most admire in a woman?

Generosity.

12. Which book that you’ve written is your favourite?

The Constant Princess

13. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Write the best you can. Honour your heart.

14. What are your favourite names?

Sara and Harry.

15. What do you do as a hobby?

Ride horses, swim, country walks.

16. What are your top 3 books?

1. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
2. The Collected Works of James Thurber
3. The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm

17. Where do you get your greatest ideas for writing?

Research. One book suggests another..

 by Amanda Patterson, June 2006